Dover Gardens Nursery School is a non-profit playschool that has been operating in the Dufferin Grove neighbourhood since 1983. Toddlers (18-30 months) and Preschoolers (2½ - 5 years) have an opportunity to grow and learn in a safe, engaging environment with the support of two qualified Early Childhood Educators. As a cooperative model school, we offer a unique opportunity to be involved in your children’s early education.

PROGRAM

Dover Gardens Nursery School operates on a family model, allowing toddlers and preschoolers to participate in the same activities to learn and grow from each other.

Each session at Dover Gardens includes:

engaging circle time built around a weekly theme

a period of free play with craft activity, sand and water tables, blocks, puzzles, and dramatic play centre

Our program runs from 9-11:45 am Monday through Friday. There is an optional extended kindergarten preparation program available that runs until 12:30.

STAFF

Dover Gardens is licensed by the Ministry of Education. Our Provincial License allows us to operate two separate programs (Toddler - 18 to 30 months and Preschool - 2 ½ to 5 years) OR, to operate with a "Mixed Age Group", often referred to as a 'Family Model'.

REGISTRATION

Applications are processed on a first come, first serve basis. Priority is given to children who have been in the program and their younger siblings. When the school is fully enrolled, applicants will be held on a waiting list until an opening is available. There are also a number of non-participatory spots that will be offered up each year.

What are the benefits of sending my child to a cooperative model school?

At Dover Gardens, all families have a chance to participate in their child’s first school and social experiences. During duty days you have the opportunity to see how your child interacts with other children, get to know their teachers and their friends. In addition the cooperative model provides an excellent way to meet new people and become further involved in the community.

What responsibilities do parents have at Dover Gardens?

Dover Gardens is run on the cooperative model, which means that parents manage and participate in running the school. Each family chooses a task at the beginning of the year and performs this in addition to doing a set number of duty days per six week cycle, depending on the number of days that your child is enrolled.

Parent members work together on committees, in rotation in the playroom and attend the semi-annual general meetings. For a more detailed description of responsibilities, please see the Parent Handbook and its Appendices.

Does Dover Gardens run a full day program?

At this time we only offer a morning program which runs from 9-11:45am. We
also offer a Kindergarten Preparation course for children who will be starting JK the following year, which extends the day until 12:30.

How many days can my child attend Dover Gardens?

While we recommend a minimum of two days per week, your child can attend anywhere from one to five mornings per week. You can choose any combination of days, depending on availability.

Does Dover Gardens close in the summer?

Yes. Since we are housed in Dovercourt Junior Public School, we follow the schedule of the Toronto District School Board. The school closes for two weeks at Christmas, one week for March break and two months in the summer. We are open during PD days.

Does my child need to be potty-trained to attend Dover Gardens?

No. Both E.C.E instructors are trained in toileting and diapering and will support whatever stage your child is currently at.